Andy Carroll is delighted to be back with Newcastle United.

Carroll was man-of-the-match after coming from the bench to inspire Sunday's 2-1 victory over Southampton.

"Honest to God, I've been trying to come back and wanting to come back for years," said the 30-year-old former Liverpool and West Ham centre-forward.

"I would have regretted it if I didn't get to step on the pitch in the black and white again.

"Making my debut, starting the other day, creating goals, winning games, I appreciate it a lot more.

"I didn't really get the chance to appreciate it the first time. I just kind of thought everyone got that chance at 17 (years old). I didn't really understand it as much as I do now.

"Coming back, it's a massive club, massive stadium, massive fans. It's part of me growing up. I never really appreciated it as much as I do now."